Correlation of Human Height with Hand Dimensions: A Study among Medical students

Background: Anthropometry is widely used for Identification of an individual. Height is one of the most important parameters of anthropometry. It is strongly correlated with the individual’s hand dimensions and if either of the measurements are known, the other can be calculated. Aim and Objective: To know correlation between the hand dimensions and Height of an individual and to apply the regression line of height on hand dimension of the person. Methods and Material: A crosssectional study was conducted among the medical students. Anthropometric indices were recorded after obtaining written consent and institutional approval using standard equipments. Linear regression and Pearson coefficient were calculated to study the correlation and arrive at the equation to calculate Height from Hand length. Results: Age of the study participants who consented for study (150) ranged between 18-24 years. Mean height was 165.91 cm. Mean right hand length was 17.71 cm and 17.69 cm on left hand. Mean hand width was 7.79 cm on right side and 7.56 cm on left side. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between height and the hand dimensions. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between hand dimensions and height. Forensic investigation, body identification and triage can be facilitated through calculating Height from hand dimensions when only mutilated body remains are received during disasters.

Antibiotic Use In Pediatric Infections; A Study In Tertiary Care Hospital

Objectives:Antibiotics are frequently used in tertiary care hospitals. We conducted an observational study on chil-dren admitted to a teaching hospital in south India, to make a profile of antibiotics use and suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) owing to them. Methods:Hospitalized children of either sex, aged between 1 month and 12 years, were inspected. Baseline demographic and clinical features, duration of hospital stay, antibiotics received in hospital along with dosing and indications and interest of suspected ADRs attributable to their use were recorded. Every pa-tient was followed up till discharge, admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, or passing. Results:Over the year and a half report period 364 confirmations were screened. The prevalence of Antibiotics use was 80.22%. The majori-ty of the 292 children who received Antibiotics were males (63.35%). Median age was 35 months, five children died. In most instances, either two (41%) or a single antibiotic (37.32%) was used. Ceftriaxone, co-amoxiclav, amikacin, vancomycin, and ampicillin were predominantly used. Antimalarials, antivirals and antiprotozoals were used occa-sionally. Average number of Antibiotics per patient was 2.2± 1.1 the majority (81.15%) were by parenteral route and initial choice was usually empirical. Prescriptions were usually in generic name. The antibiotic treatment went some-where in the range of 1 and 32days, with a middle of 8 days. Five ADRs were noted of which half were skin rash and the rest loose stools. Conclusions:The profile of Antibiotic utilize is comprehensively like prior Indian investigations. Apparent overuse of multiple Antibiotics per prescription and the parenteral route requires exploration. Antibiotics are being used empirically in the absence of policy. ADRs to Antibiotics are occasional and usually mild. The bench-mark information can serve in situation analysis for antibiotic prescribing guidelines.

A study on adverse drug reactions in patients on antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Besides unparalleled advantages, exceptionally dynamic antiretroviral treatment is additionally connected with extensive variety of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which prevents treatment adherence. The present study is intended to screen and monitor the event of ADRs to different antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens in a tertiary care ART setup.Methods: A prospective, longitudinal observational study was done in the outpatient setting of nodal ART center, Osmania General Hospital. A sum of 525 patients on different ART regimens were examined for ADRs more than year and a half. Adverse event history, prescription history and other significant subtle elements were captured. Causality and seriousness of each announced ADR were surveyed.Results: 37.33% patients of aggregate members gave a sum of 330 ADRs. Patients from zidovudine-based regimens presented with majority of ADRs such as anemia, central nervous system (CNS), and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Tenofovir-based regimens were, be that as it may, observed to be somewhat more secure. The blend with Efavirenz was related with significant CNS reactions while that of Nevirapine was related with rash and pigmentation of nails. Atazanavir supported second-line regimens were quite connected with expanded serum lipid levels taken after by other GI and CNS unfavourable impacts. Expanded liver compounds were found in atazanavir-based second-line ART.Conclusions: The study enables to obtain in sequence on the incidence and pattern of ADRs associated with various antiretroviral regimens, thereby reducing its occurrence and protecting the patient population from avoidable harm. Need of intensive monitoring for ADRs in ARTs along these lines is by all accounts an order.

Correlation of 2D-Echocardiography Findings in Young Patients of Myocardial Infarction with Prevalence of Risk Factors

Background: The prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has progressively increased in India during the later half of the last century. Projection based on the Global Burden of Disease Study estimate that by the year 2020, the burden of atheroembolic cardiovascular disease in India would surpass that in any other region in the world. Objectives: To Correlation Of 2D-Echocardiography Findings In Young Patients Of Myocardial Infarction With Prevalence Of Risk Factors in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh area, From May 2010 to April 2011. Materials and methods: 50 patients of aged 18 – 45 yrs with acute myocardial infarction were evaluated on the basis of age, sex, socioeconomic status, family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, obesity, history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, ECG and Ejection Fraction on 2DECHO. Results: Mean age of study group was 36.2. Male were more affected than female. Prevalence of family history of coronary heart disease was 35%. 55% of patients were smokers. 20% of patients were obese. 75% patients had dyslipidemia. 25% had history of hypertension and 20% were diabetic. Goel A, Goel D, Yadav Y, Gupta SK. Correlation of 2D-Echocardiography Findings in Young Patients of Myocardial Infarction with Prevalence of Risk Factors. IAIM, 2016; 3(10): 221-227. Page 222 64% of patients in present study had anterior wall MI. Left Ventricle End Diastolic Diameter (LVEDD) mean 49.84 mm. Left Ventricle End Systolic Volume (LVESD), mean was 38.36 mm. Interventricular Septum thickness (IVS) mean was 9.86 mm. 56% had moderate LV dysfunction. MR mostly present in EF less than 40%. 12% cases had presence of pericardial effusion. 66.66% smokers have MR on 2D-Echocardiography. Conclusion: The Incidence of Myocardial Infarction is rising in young individuals owing to change in lifestyle pattern, eating habits, more stress and workload. Incidence remained highest in Males as compared to females. Highly associated risk factor in young myocardial infarction patients are dyslipidemia and smoking. Other traditional risk factors associated with myocardial infarction like diabetes, hypertension, obesity are also very much correlated and their incidence is also seems to be increasing. The role of 2D-Echocardiography in establishing the diagnosis, location, and extent of MI, in diagnosing mechanical complications of infarction, and in providing prognostic information that is important for risk stratification.

Clinical implications of alignment of upper and lower cervical spine.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The alignment of upper and lower cervical spine is presumed to be closely interrelated and the knowledge of this is mandatory when performing occipito-cervical and upper cervical fusions. The aim of this study was to establish standard values for upper and lower cervical spine alignment in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred eighteen asymptomatic volunteers (261 males and 257 females) between 12 and 80 years of age underwent lateral radiography with their neck in the neutral position. Angles for occipital to 2nd cervical (Oc-C2), 1st to 2nd cervical (C1-C2) and sagittal alignment of 2nd to 7th cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using a statistical package SPSS 10 for windows and the students 't' test. RESULTS: The mean Oc-C2, C1-C2 and C2--C7 angles were 14.66+9.5 degrees , 25.6+7.9 degrees and 16.8+12.7 degrees in male, while same angles in female were 15.59+8.26 degrees, 26.9+6.8 degrees and 9.11+10.4 degrees respectively. Weak statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the measured angles of the upper (Oc-C2 and C1-C2) and lower (C2-C7) cervical spines, which means if the lordosis of the occiput and upper cervical spine increases (if the Oc-C2 angle increases), the alignment of lower cervical spine becomes kyphotic and vice versa. This negative correlation was stronger between the Oc-C2 and C2-C7 angles than between the C1-C2 and C2-C7 angles. CONCLUSIONS: Relationship between alignment of the upper and the lower cervical spine should be taken into consideration when performing cervical fusion.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in infants.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is one of the surgical options for obstructive hydrocephalus. There are varying opinions about results of ETV in infants. We are therefore presenting the results of ETV in 54 infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 54 infants undergoing ETV in our institution in the last 2 years was carried out. There were 48 cases of congenital hydrocephalus with aqueductal stenosis, 6 of post tubercular meningitis hydrocephalus. Average follow up was 18 months. RESULTS: There was 83.3% (45 cases) clinical success rate in our study. Infection, persistent cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leak and bleeding occurred in 4 (8%) cases each while blockage of stoma was observed in 8 (14.8%) patients. Majority of ETV stoma closure (6 out of total 8) occurred following infection (4) or bleeding during surgery (2). One patient (2%) had transient diabetes insipidus. Overall failure rate in our study was 16.7% (8 stoma blocks and 1 procedure abandoned). Low birth weight pre mature infants had higher failure rate (3 out of 5 infants 60%) compared to full term infants with normal birth weight (12.3%). Age did not have any impact on the success rate (P>0.05). Success rates were not significanlty different in patients with aqueductal stenosis (85.4%) and TBM (66.6%) (Fisher's exact test, P=0.3). CONCLUSION: ETV was fairly safe and effective in full term normal birth weight infants while the results in low birth weight pre mature infants were poor.

A case of thalamic abscess treated by endoscopic surgery.

We report about a 7-year-old female child with cyanotic heart disease whose thalamic abscess was successfully treated by endoscope-assisted abscess drainage. Endoscopic aspiration of thalamic abscess appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment for deep-seated abscesses, as direct visualization of the abscess cavity is possible and the completeness of evacuation can be assessed.

Lumboperitoneal shunts: review of 409 cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the lumboperitoneal shunt procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred and nine patients having communicating hydrocephalus were selected for the procedure during a 10-year period from March 1992 to February 2002. The average follow-up was 45.34 months. RESULTS: Tubercular meningitis (TBM)-related hydrocephalus was detected in 285 patients. Forty per cent of the patients were less than 15 years of age. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of less than 8 was seen in 40% patients and 14.9% patients were in GCS 13-15. At the time of discharge 56.7% patients improved in their GCS to 13 -15 and 14.9% were in GCS 8 or less. The overall mortality was 5.13% and shunt-related mortality was seen in 2% patients. Shunt malfunction requiring revision was seen in 32 patients (7.8%) and the total number of shunt revisions was 44 (11%). Shunt infection was noted in 3.4% patients. CSF leak at the lumbar end occurred in 12 patients. Four patients required conversion of LP shunt to VP shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Lumboperitoneal shunt is an effective shunting procedure in communicating hydrocephalus.

Primary ectopic meningioma.

Primary ectopic meningiomas are rare. A case of a 16-year-old male who presented with a large mass in temporofrontal region is reported. X-ray skull showed soft tissue shadow with hyperostosis of frontal and temporal bone. CT scan of brain demonstrated a markedly enhancing lesion and bony hyperostosis with no intracranial component. Total excision of tumour with hyperostotic bone was done. Patient is well without any evidence of recurrence two years after surgery. Relevant literature is reviewed.

Puerperal tetanus.

Fifty cases of puerperal tetanus were studied. It constituted 6.66% of total cases of tetanus with overall mortality of 52% which was higher in cases with incubation period of 14 days or less, period of onset 48 hours or less, higher grades, cases with temperature more than 37.7 degrees C and patients with respiratory complications. Significantly higher mortality rate after 48 hours signifies the need of effective local control of infection to improve prognosis. Prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of respiratory complications which is the main cause of death may further reduce mortality rate in these patients.

Respiratory complication in tetanus.

Six hundred cases of tetanus were studied to find out incidence of respiratory complications and to evaluate factors predisposing such complications in tetanus. The incidence of complications was 41 per cent. Infants, patients of more than 40 years of age, smokers, cases with grossly contaminated injuries, short incubation period and short period of onset were more vulnerable. Patients with dysphagia, spasm, associated respiratory diseases and the patients in higher grades were also found to be more susceptible to respiratory complications.